Forgotten Hart: Vaktare of All Realms Series, #3

By Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel

The Herald Väktare bears a new title in the apocalyptic battle of good vs. evil: Shira Hart amnesiac.

When a black magic spell strips her of her memory, powers and identity, Shira Black Hart faces the impossible question of what matters most: who you are or who you choose to be?
With secret enemies lurking in the shadows, there is no safe haven to run to. As Brin seemingly abandons her and a new forbidden attraction flares, she must decide whether to believe what her fractured mind is telling her or to follow her traitorous heart. Xydon's son may desire to claim the Herald Väktare for himself, but evil's secret weapon has risen from its grave. While Shira Hart must stop the consuming tide of darkness from rising, the only enemy standing in her way is the worst adversary of them all: herself.

Väktare of All Realms series is an action-packed urban fantasy with a flare of humor and a twist of romance that will keep the reader on the edge of his or her seats until the very last page. Between magic, dragons, wall walkers, and a sassy talking cat, one thing is for sure. The world will turn upside down and inside out before the Shira Hart's story comes to its breathless conclusion.

Other books by Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel:
War Machine (Winner of silver and Bronze medals at the Virtual Fantasy Con Awards 2017)
Slave to War
Blood War
The Vampire's Handmaiden
Wings of Caligo
The Swan Princes (Winner of a Silver Squirrel Award 2018)
Outfoxed
And more...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel
• Release date: Jan 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224734481

Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel

Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel is an urban fantasy and science fiction author. Her novel War Machine won silver and gold medals in the 2017 Virtual Fantasy Con Awards and the Swan Princes won silver for Best Fairytale in 2018. Cursed Hart was a semi-finalist for best urban fantasy 2019. She lives in the USA with her adopted husky Ser Mishka who may or may not be a dormant wolf shifter. maggielynnheronheidel.com

Book preview

Prologue

A furious rattling roused me from my stupor.

I blinked confusedly, trying to adjust to the blackness around me. Instead of my pillow, my head was resting on dry sands. The sun rising over the horizon told me that this definitely wasn’t my bedroom, nor was I alone in my bed.

Well, I wouldn't say alone. The irked rattlesnake at my feet paused its rattling long enough for me to scuttle backward in alarm. It slithered off with a curse sent in my direction after I sent it a hasty apology for disturbing it. Then I was alone in the low dawn light, the dusty soil dry and sharp under my palms. I was laying completely alone in the center of a very large, open expanse of desert.

Or was I? I could hear echoes in my mind that didn't seem to belong to me. But then they were gone. Had I imagined the whole thing? Or was I losing my mind?

How had I gotten here? I had no memory of leaving my room in my grandfather’s underground compound. Last I remembered, Brin was carrying me to bed after dozing off during a movie, pressing a kiss to my cheek. He tucked me in as I fell asleep.

As I stumbled backward, I came into a whole new kind of horror. I recognized this place. This expanse of desert was one I’d been to only once, two months before. The debris may have been gone from the landscape, but the cactuses remained singed by the fires that had burned here. I would have recognized it anywhere, my insides constricting in panic like a vice.

I was standing on the edge of the crash zone where I’d absorbed Shitheed’s life force. But it couldn’t be. He was dead. I watched him die.

Yet as the dawn spread over the morning sky, I knew without a doubt that something was still to be unearthed. The restlessness in my soul was reawakening with gusto.

It wasn’t over. Somehow I had been brought back here. The question was why and, even better, how. A thousand voices sang in my head, "It’s not over. It’s just begun..."

But what could it be? Shitheed was dead.

Or was he...

Chapter One - Rexim

So when you invited me to work on the bike with you, you actually meant to work? Brin was bored to tears. Sitting in my grandfather’s garage with me while I tinkered over the Phoenix was apparently not what he had in mind for the afternoon.

Since it was no longer a necessity to travel in a car all the time, I learned there was hardly ever a moment when Brin voluntarily sat still. He shifted from his perch on the hood of the GTO every few seconds in boredom, shooting my bike dirty looks. He’d already finished changing the oil. I glanced over, pausing from polishing the chrome.

Yes. Why? What did you think I meant? The quicker I get through this, the quicker we can get out of here. I squatted down on the other side of the Phoenix to polish it. In the meantime, if you’re bored, maybe Heidi could use someone to test her cooking skills on.

Brin shot me a horrified look, remembering the previous night’s disastrous meatloaf. It was more like an enormous charcoal briquette than a meal. I’m not looking to be poisoned.

Ever since Heidi and Peter got engaged, Heidi had decided she was going to learn to cook. This was much to Brin’s mirth at first, considering he could tease his brother that he was going to get fat. Then the truth set in. Heidi was a horrible chef. Most of what she produced was almost inedible, but her fiancé was too afraid of her reaction to let on how horrible it was. So Peter wound up eating it all.

Six months had gone by and we were all still cooped up in Grandfather’s underground compound. Though Shitheed was dead, Xydon was still out there hunting for me, so we remained in hiding below the desert sands. Things had settled into a deceptively calm lull, despite the knowledge that I was still in danger.

Brin leaned over the Phoenix, a mischievous expression warning me that he was planning something dastardly. I sat back, biting my lip. If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to concentrate.

Isn’t that the idea? he said, eyeing my lips pointedly.

Ooh, you’re trouble, I said saucily, earning a roguish grin in return. I knew just how to fix his wagon but good. I rose from the floor with a wink, winding my arms around his neck and pressing my body against his. Brin, have you ever made out on the back of a motorcycle?

He watched my lips move. No. Why?

Because you won’t today, I said sweetly with a smirk, pushing him back with one greasy finger. I must get the appropriate tool.

I didn’t laugh at his obvious disappointment, instead adding a swing to my hips and blowing a kiss at him as I went over to the tool chest. I knew I was infuriating on some level, or many, but other than a blank expression he wasn’t letting on about his frustration.

We barely got to see each other anymore. This was a large bone of contention, but not a complaint aimed at me. Most of the time I was stuck helping Heidi with her gigantic shindig. Why anyone would have several hundreds of people come to a wedding, I’d never know. Then again, I was constantly reminded it was ‘not my wedding’.

This was the first afternoon in a while that I had some time to hang out with him. After sneaking back inside the compound after tele-sending back from the crash zone, I’d spent the morning choreographing a dance routine for his birthday that’d be in a few months. Remembering he said he’d like me to dance for him some day, I’d decided to oblige his wish as a present.

But as I snatched the appropriate tool from the chest, I squeaked as a set of arms grabbed me from behind and hauled me up against a hard body. An arm snaked its way around my waist as the tool tumbled from my hands. Brin?!

You want your tool back? he hissed friskily in my ear, snatching it from my hands. Come and get it.

And if I don’t? I asked, enjoying this new game.

Then come and find me. I’ll make it worth your while...

This was promising. After pressing a suggestive kiss to my neck, he was gone, disappearing into the rows of antique cars my grandfather owned. I slowly scanned the garage, knowing full well Brin was watching me from wherever he was hiding. Do I at least get a clue?

Instantly a small white flower appeared about twenty feet in front of me, leading me back into the enormous underground compound. I went to it, seeing it was one of the silk roses Heidi was using for the place settings. She would kill him for making off with them. I twirled it between my fingers.

After a few more appeared sporadically, leading me through the brick halls, I was confused. Either Brin was having a good time leading me around in circles or I was missing the point. Finding another flower, it led me into my grandfather’s enormous library of rare, antique books. Hearing some rustling about ten feet in front of me, I rushed to catch him.

It wasn’t Brin. Andrew was less than pleased with my arrival, irritably snatching a book from the shelf. I floundered for an explanation as he eyed the small bouquet of fake flowers in my hand with distaste. 

Dare I ask what you’re doing? he asked condescendingly.

While we really couldn’t throw him out considering he was protecting me, I still got the creeps that he was here. Whenever Brin and I were together, he got this nasty, little revolted expression. He skulked around corners, clearly jealous of us. I squared my chin. Looking for someone you want but can’t have. You seen him?

If I had, I doubt he’d be here anyway, Andrew grumbled morosely, referencing Brin’s general avoidance of his presence.

Right, well... I guiltily stuck one of the little flowers at him, at a loss for what to say. Peace offering?

Much to my irritation, he ignored it entirely and sauntered out the library door, leaving me with the flower extended out in front of me. Now I really was convinced I was right for harboring a dislike for him. He was positively obnoxious.

I leaned back against the shelf, twirling the plastic stem in my fingers, zest for the chase lost. My encounter with sourpuss left me weary. You win, Brin. Game over. Consider the mood officially ruined. I don’t want the tool. I just want you back.

After a moment, I heard movement to my left. I closed my eyes, waiting with a chuckle. You know what? You may not get to make out on the bike, but you will in a library. Come kiss me.

A few more footsteps and he was standing right in front of me. I could feel warm breath on my face and I smiled in anticipation, thinking of how his lips would feel against mine. A finger traced the contours of my chin and I leaned into it. But he made no move to come any closer. Brin?

Oh, say the word, sweetheart, and I will be.

Jumping back in alarm, I slammed my back into the bookshelf. The arrogant-looking fellow watched with a great deal of amusement as the whole bookcase proceeded to groan and fall over, books and all, with a loud crash. He did, however, snatch his hand out and grab me before I went over with it.

I smacked his hand away soon as I was steady on my feet,  edging away from him as his golden eyes traveled up and down my figure with approval. Where the hell did you come from?!

I wasn’t aware this was the local snogging spot, he said in a distinct, snobbish British accent, resetting the bookshelf back into place with Tro. Considering the lady in question, however, I’m game.

I glared at him. You have a helluva lot of nerve!

Considering you offered to ‘make out’ in the library, you’re the one with nerve. You reneged on your offer, he said, stepping forward and trapping me between him and the bookshelf. He put his hands on both sides of me, leaning in.

With the worst urge to smack him, I waved the fake flowers in his face threateningly. While he was good looking, with golden brown hair tousled like he’d just rolled out of bed, he clearly knew it, too. My immediate impression of him was that he was a womanizer, and one that was completely full of himself.

His lips twisted into a self-satisfied smirk at my aggravated reaction. Saving me from the trouble of walloping him, Brin appeared at the end of the aisle. He looked none too pleased, nor fond of whomever it was I was dealing with.

Rex, he said in a deep tone reserved only for those he intensely disliked. You returned from Spain. How... nice.

Ah, Mr. O’Shea, Rex replied, still not breaking eye contact with me or moving back, making me squirm. Who is this lovely creature? I’ve not seen her before.

This is Shira, Brin replied flatly. My girlfriend. Willard’s granddaughter.

Really? Whatever he’d heard about me, apparently my looks didn’t match my reputation as he stepped back and commented, M’dear, rumors don’t do you justice. I would have presented myself sooner had I known you roamed these library shelves unaccompanied. He extended his hand to me. Rex Remington at your service.

Pleasure, I grumbled, accepting it warily.

No, I do believe it’s all mine, he murmured, bringing my hand up to his mouth to kiss it. His smile widened as my fingers twitched in his grasp. If there’s ever anything that I can do for you, say the word.

Are you always this pretentious? I snapped, snatching it back.

He paused, startled by my outburst, then laughed heartily. Feisty, aren’t we? Sorry, love. I often forget how you Americans take offense to my old-time way of speaking.

I don’t think it’s limited by geography. I’m not American.

Rex seemed amused by Brin’s waspish response, though he never looked away from my face. He was unnerving me. Whatever color his eyes were, whether it be brown or yellow, they were giving me the creeps. Dear fellow, don’t act like I’m encroaching on your territory. I take it jealousy is a flaw of yours?

Whoever this guy was, he seemed to know all of Brin’s sore spots. I often teased Brin about his jealous streak, but Rex had no way of knowing that. Considering Brin’s shoulders inched toward his ears, I decided to throw my two cents in. For all intents, I’m no one’s territory-

As I said. Feisty, Rex replied, eyes gleaming at me. I scowled at him. Would you prefer a different word? Every time I say it, you get this lovely little crease between your eyebrows as you frown-

Judging by Brin’s antagonistic glare, he had absolutely no issue with me pummeling Rex to the ground. It was for my own safety that he restrained me as I convulsively moved forward to grab him.

Rex held his hands up in surrender. Peace. Feisty is often interchangeable with fiery and passionate, and Lord knows I am appreciative of all three in a woman.

Now he was deliberately pushing my buttons. You rat bastard!

This time Brin hauled me back by the arms as I charged forward.

Ah, I thought I heard my granddaughter’s voice ringing through the hall. We all turned as Willard’s voice floated toward us. Skids was with him, sauntering along with a packed duffel bag. Grandfather paced to stand next to Rex, clutching his pet monitor lizard Maurice. Motorcycle repairs going well?

Just fabulous, I answered, shooting Rex a scathing look. He grinned at me.

Rex, I’d suggest you allow my granddaughter to resume her work with Mr. O’Shea, he said smoothly. We’ve much to catch up on.

Oh, I’d hardly classify what they were doing as ‘working’, Rex said, causing my cheeks to burn with embarrassment. Skids snickered, making me blush further, as did Brin.

Why don’t ya see me off, son, Skids said, heading for the garage we’d just left. He put his hand up in a goodbye. See you tomorrow, Shira. I’m off to pick up me ex-missus. Pray to God I don’t kill ‘er in the meantime.

Brin’s mother was coming here to visit during her painful divorce. Brin kissed my cheek and I nodded, sorry to see both go. He shot me a look, heading after his father under my grandfather’s stern eye.

I see you and Rex are already acquainted, Grandfather said, watching me as I tapped my wrench on my palm impatiently. He’s an old friend of mine and will be staying for a few weeks.

Yes, Rex said, tickling Maurice’s chin with his finger. When I heard that Willie acquired his cuckoos at long last, I came to study them. I’m an amateur ornithologist, you see.

Well, he’d have quite the time studying Freddie Mercury; that was for sure. Freddie was still screaming his bloody head off to Queen’s hits every chance he could, much to Peter’s aggravation. The hatchling was now, too, learning via ‘monkey see monkey do’ how to screech to heavy rock. Phoebe the mother was patiently nurturing them in a specially designed enclosure my grandfather had designed. A soundproof one, thank God.

Rex’d come to grab a book on their behavior for me, but now I see why he was delayed, Grandfather said, still stroking Maurice’s head.

Maurice was watching me with the same apathetic stare he always did. Out of all the animals I ever met, this one took the cake. He absolutely loathed me. Considering he was the apple of Willard’s eye for a great number of years, he resented sharing the spotlight with me. He hissed at me whenever Grandfather wasn’t around, prowling around and guarding the place at all hours.

Why don’t I grab the book while you two talk? Grandfather continued, heading down the aisle. Be right back.

Rex smirked at me as I sank back onto my heels, dropping the smile which I’d kept plastered on my face for my grandfather’s benefit. So I hear you helped snatch the cuckoos. Good show, nabbing them from Xydon like that. I swear I’ve seen your face somewhere before, though.

Lemme guess, I grumbled, cocking an eyebrow. "Hustle Ya Buns magazine subscriber?"

Goodness, no! he laughed, shaking his head. Don’t tell me that dustbin liner is still in business. Women in that rag have faces like horses-

How would you know if you don’t read it? I asked irritably, my fuse officially reaching its end and ready to belt him again. Do I have a face like a horse, too, Rex?

As I glared at him, sis brow furrowed and he said slowly, You were in that? You? You’re far too pretty for that piece of garbage. Sorry to have offended. I’d like to make it up to you. If you’re free tomorrow evening there’s this spot in Los Angeles-

I’m not allowed to go out.

He changed his tune in a millisecond. Or I make an excellent duck risotto that I think you’d enjoy-

I’ll pass on both counts, I said with open contempt, heading for the door. I’m with Brin-

He smirked down at me from his tall height while following me. Not for much longer if I have my way.

Shira, I’d been meaning to have a word with you, my grandfather called as I went to tell Rex off, apparently coming back up the aisle. I sucked in a calming breath, turning back. Grandfather smiled at me, this time minus Maurice. I’ll escort you back to the garage. Meet you back at the cuckoo enclosure, Rex.

Rex nodded before heading out, shooting me a wink that promised he was nowhere near done trying to get on my good side and into my pants. I glowered after him, Grandfather joining me.

So... he began. I see you and Rex aren’t hitting it off. He’s an unusual fellow, so maybe if you give him some time you’ll like him better. He saved my life during the first World War... How’s your garage?

Doing well, especially since I promoted Seamus to manager.

Seamus moved out east several months previous and asked for a job. Since then, he did so well that when my old manager suddenly quit, I decided he was the man for the job. Profits continued to soar ever since. As for Rex, I doubted my opinion of him would change.

Grandfather nodded thoughtfully. You’ve been very stoic about your confinement here. I know you’re eager to step into the outside world, but I’m far more cautious. After losing Ivy and your mother... I wouldn’t make it through another loss. Bear with me.

I nudged him on the arm. S’all good. I’m not overly eager to see who’s hunting me. I’m just enjoying being here with you, Josh, Billy and Brin. For the first time in my life, I’m enjoying being right where I am.

He smiled, making me happy. Just about every time we spoke, he looked so happy that it made my heart soar. He never took me for granted; that was for sure. Then he looked down at our feet. Ah, Maurice, I was wondering when you would rejoin us.

The lizard shot me a disparaging glance as he strolled up behind him. "I was detained. Sholoa was missing."

Sholoa? I asked. Then I realized there was no more need to ask. I looked down as a coiling sensation went up my leg. A small, green tree snake poked its head over my knee curiously, winding around me.

That’d be her, Grandfather said, hauling Maurice into his arms.

"Greetings, mini Willard," she projected, blinking her vivid lime green eyes at me. Maurice may not like you but I do.

Um... thanks, I said, offering her my hand so she wouldn’t continue to cut off the blood supply to my leg. She gratefully accepted and coiled around in my palm.

I got the feeling of a smile. "We’ll be great friends."

Grandfather grinned, hearing the exchange since he was a telepath as well. I’m glad you get along well with my little family.

My grandfather had a propensity for rescuing reptilian and amphibian friends. The underground compound was loaded with frogs, snakes and, to my discomfort, a few pet tarantulas. I inclined my head. How did you communicate with them all before you learned telepathy?

Sign language. The tree frogs in particular hated having to blink out every other word using Morse code. He paused, hearing my stomach sound off for the umpteenth time. Go nourish yourself. We can finish our discussion another time.

I nodded gratefully, lifting Sholoa to my shoulders. Sholoa’s tongue tickled me as she slithered over my shoulder to drape her head around my neck. I’ll leave you to converse with your... Maurice.

My dislike for Grandfather’s favorite pet must have been visible. He smiled knowingly at me as I took off for the end of the hall and headed for the kitchen. Oh, and Shira?

I paused, glancing back. A sly smile was spreading across his face. The ideal secluded spot is behind the theology section, next to the old filing cabinets. I’m sure no one will ever find or disturb you and Mr. O’Shea in there.

With that and a wink he disappeared around the corner, leaving me astounded.

Chapter Two – Pre-Wedding Hell

Congratulations, Pete. She’s pregnant.

Peter nearly choked over his food as I left that statement hanging, clearly thinking I meant something other than I did as he and Heidi sat down across from me. He looked at his fiancée, completely flabbergasted and his mouth hanging open while full of food. Heidi’s what?

She poked him reproachfully. Peter! Not me! How on earth could I be with child?! What are you suggesting?!

I rolled my eyes as Peter realized he’d stuck his foot in his mouth yet again. We were snacking in the kitchen, meeting after a long day. Saving him from a long and probably losing argument, I snapped, The dog, Peter. I told you to keep Tiberius away from Mama while she was in heat. What the hell am I going to do with a litter of puppies?

Peter now comprehended the issue, slowly nodding. Oh. Mama’s pregnant. Good job, Tanky- Peter winced as I kicked him under the table and he abruptly changed his tune. I mean, bad boy. Very bad.

Tank didn’t give a damn about punishment. He was too busy panting in the corner, doting on his conquest. Mama was about a month pregnant, having gleefully told me the news a half hour earlier that she was going to be a mother. My stone guardian Peony was delighted, thinking of all the new recruits he could train to guard the compound. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Fae was beyond aggravated with the announcement.

"First they turn my home into an illicit love nest, she hissed, still completely scandalized as she sat behind us on the kitchen counter. Now they’ve turned it into a whelping box! What next?!"

"Puppies? Billy asked, looking excited as he came in and headed for the fridge. I can help deliver them. I helped deliver kittens once-"

Shouldn’t you watch your weight, Shira? You want to fit into your bridesmaid’s dress, don’t you?

I glared at Peter over my second slice of apple pie, daring him to say one word further. He grinned back tauntingly. Heidi spared me the trouble of kicking her fiancé this time, never even looking up from her wedding planner diary, she herself having called this meeting since the wedding was a month away.

Brin shot his brother a dirty look. This was Brin’s slice of pie, but he didn’t like it so I was polishing it off for him. I stuck the last bit of it in my mouth unrepentantly with a smirk. Sholoa was dozing around my shoulders as we sat.

Peter, Heidi said, checking down her list. Was your tux fitted?

Yes, he said with an aggrieved air, sitting back.

Shira, did you try your heels on?

Now we were onto my torture session. Yeah, Heidi, I drawled, deciding to tease the other parties present with a fib. I also tried on my garters and corset. I’ll concede. They do look nice.

Heidi hadn’t decreed garters or a corset. I just wanted to drive Brin insane for the next month, wondering if I indeed would be wearing them since he wouldn’t get to see them. He was still sticking to his ‘hands off policy’ until there was a ring on my finger.  

I cheerfully stuck my finger into the leftover whipped cream on my plate and popped it into my mouth. Instead, the wrong party went for the bait and I stifled a laugh at Peter’s wary expression, looking at her legs and contemplating the idea of garters. In my opinion, Peter was way in over his head. Heidi was well over a hundred years old, so she was a great deal more experienced in the romance arena. And after my taunting him about it for months, I heavily suspected Peter was starting to believe it.  He gulped. Garters?

I see Shira’s doing her best to not fit into the dress Heidi picked for her. The door slammed, letting us know Eric had returned from classes at the local college.

Much to our surprise, he decided to stay here even though his parents accepted his powers and allowed him back home. He wouldn’t tell anybody why, though. Brin was convinced he’d found some girl to chase after, but I wasn’t so sure. A few times when Eric had supposedly disappeared, I saw him sneaking around the compound.

I stuck my tongue out at him, reaching for the ice cream container on the table in front of me. He smirked. Trying to pad up so Brin will have something to grab onto?

Brin was not amused. Eric, shut your trap.

If I ever hear another comment like that about my sister again, this time you won’t be spending life as a frog, Billy threatened, making Eric cringe as he snuck up behind him. I prefer slow torture. Maybe life as a snail. Reproduction as a hermaphrodite would be a good punishment...

Eric hurriedly sat, straddling a chair as Billy tore into a bag of chips. Considering that’s the third tub of ice cream Shira’s polished off this week and she’s thinner than she started, starving herself isn’t the problem. What gives, Shira? And what were you doing outside this morning when I let you in?

Crap. Brin turned to me, having been unaware of my unplanned morning excursion. Luckily Eric was returning from classes when I arrived at the door and used him as an excuse to get back in the locked entrance.

I snuck outside, I lied, looking away. Got locked out.

Brin didn’t need to voice his displeasure. I could feel it emanating from him beside me. Eric leaned back with a sniff and wrinkled his nose. So is the poster boy for knighthood staying? Can still smell his cologne all the way from here.

"Yes, who is this odiferous new stiff?" Fae asked.

Brin grunted in response. Remington?

Eric nodded. We spoke on my way in. Rex seems quite fascinated with your ‘American wench’. But I was wounded to hear Shira is offering make out sessions in the library and I wasn’t invited-

Anyway, Brin said loudly, changing the subject. I’m sure he just wanted word to come back to me. He’s the worst kind of ass kisser.

He’s not all that bad, Heidi insisted as Peter nodded in agreement with Brin. He may be very hard to take, but he’s a good guy at heart. All three men chorused in with me as I snorted with derision. I dated him for a few months a number of years ago-

Peter choked on his food for a second time. What?!

She shrugged. I was attracted to older men at one point.

For once, your preference for Peter is preferable, I said as Peter shot me a dirty look. Just how old is Rexy boy?

He’s quite a bit older, so maybe in his early two hundreds, Billy said, hopping on the counter while he munched on some potato chips. He was knighted by the queen for his service in the first World War.

So he’s is into cradle robbing? Eric grunted. Comparing his age, Shira’s barely more than an infant. A very tempting infant, but still.

Billy’s eyebrows went up. Rex’s into Shira?

I was less than thrilled. Cute, Eric. By that reckoning, you and Peter might tempt him even more, considering you corner the market in childish behavior.

She’s got a point, a snide voice inserted, the kitchen door opening. But you all lack the feminine trimmings I’m interested in.

I didn’t bother to look up from my ice cream. I knew Rex was right behind us just by watching Brin turn around in his seat. Raw antagonism rolling off of him. Peter reacted similarly, shifting closer to Heidi.

Were my ears ringing? Rex chuckled, letting us know he’d overheard us. I came for the ice cream, but it I see someone got to it first.

Take it. I’ve lost my appetite, I grumbled, thrusting the container over my head. Rex chuckled and reached out to pet Fae. She pointedly jumped off the counter, leaving the kitchen.

He chuckled, undaunted. That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly. I’ll settle for some pie, unless you’ve polished that off, too.

Take a hint, Eric said with boredom. Whenever Shira’s around, guard your food. She eats like a pig. I glared at him. You know it’s true.

So it’s acceptable to refer to a woman as a pig in this social circle? Someone should’ve spoken up by now to defend her, Rex admonished, clearly referencing Brin who reddened under the rebuke. He stepped around Billy who shot him a pointed look. My you’ve gotten big, Billy. But congratulations, Heidi. I hear you are to be married.

She nodded, looking everywhere but at him. Considering Peter was glaring between them, I didn’t blame her one bit. Thank you, Rex.

Would you be the fiancé? he asked, summoning a chair with Tro to sit next to me. He snatched the ice cream from my fingers and duplicated it, this time with a full container. Handing me the full one, he took the one I was previously tearing into. Peter? My, I remember when you were still running ‘round in tutus.

My snicker wasn’t appreciated. Peter looked like he was about to burst with indignation. When did I ever wear a tutu?

One Thanksgiving when I came to visit Willie. Brin came in late, covered in mud. Where were you anyway? You wouldn’t tell anybody.

Out in the backwoods trying to catch frogs, Brin admitted through gritted teeth, clearly trying to hold his tongue. Peter wanted one for his birthday. I didn’t have any money, so...

That’s sweet, I said pecking him on the lips and earning myself an affectionate squeeze around the waist.

I never got a frog, Peter threw in obnoxiously. I’ll bet you were really running around with Jenny Louise. Remembering Brin’s former fiancée, I looked to Brin who bit his lip. Peter seemed to catch on to Brin’s dirty look a minute too late. Mind you, he was ten. It’s not like he was in libraries making out-

Suddenly not enjoying the present company, I plunked my ice cream down and stood. It occurred to me that Rex could be poking at all the subjects he knew would start a fight. You know what? Night all.

If this is over me I’ll leave, Rex said, licking his spoon and watching my ass. I didn’t mean to disturb.

Somehow I very much doubted that. Brin started to get up with me, but I patted his shoulder. No, no. Stay. I’ll catch you later.

Shutting the door behind me, I headed for my room. Fae followed, yawning as we went. But scooting down the hall in my bare feet, I paused as I heard a noise.

Looking behind me, I tensed as I saw a dark shadow flitting around. A demon. I hadn’t seen one since I came here. As it flickered, the question was why and how it had come. Was it searching for me? Or did it follow someone else here; that being Rex?

Leave, I ordered, my power glowing over my palms.

The dark retreated from the home, withdrawing from my range. It left me wary and thinking about Xydon. All things were too quiet on that front. I hadn’t seen him nor anyone from the Fidem. Skids wasn’t talking to any of the people who turned on us, so who knew if they were still hunting for me?

Shaking my head, I went to my room. Fae was dozing as I walked in. Stripping off my clothes, I dug out my night things. But I paused as there was a soft knock on my door. I got lover boy to leave. Care to watch some TV with me?

Brin’s offer was tempting but I knew better. Maurice would be out at this hour patrolling. I called back, This an attempt to bribe me so I won’t tuck myself into Rex’s bed?

No, he muttered grouchily through the door. But he’s in the room next to yours. He made sure to inform me of that before he took off for the evening. Won’t you join me? You can come as you are -

As I am? Yes, I do believe you’d enjoy my current state in the altogether, I said teasingly, looking at myself in my floor length mirror, picking up my black silk nightgown. I got no response for a minute from outside. Wearing nothing but what nature gave me, tragically heading to bed with nothing but my cat for company.

One of Fae’s eyes opened to glare at me. "What’s tragic about that? You’re damn lucky to have a goddess in your presence..."

You’re going to be the death of me, Brin groaned.

Ah, but what a way to go...

Tease! he said with a chuckle. Then there was a clunk outside, along with a muffled curse. Damn. I dropped my phone. Fae mentally sent me an image of your current state.

I whirled around, seeing her unrepentant expression. Her whiskers twitched. "Karma. You asked for it."

Let me guess, I said dryly. You shut her out of your mind like a gentleman?

Or I’m still enjoying the view ... he teased.

I chuckled and yawned, slipping on the nightgown. Brin peeked at me as I cracked open the door. His eyes traveled along the black silk draped over my curves longingly, probably half regretting his self-imposed ban from my bedroom. Once we were an item, he refused to stay in my room at night. Apparently I was too much of a temptation to keep his hands off of. Since when do you wear things like that?

Since I’ve got you to torture, I said facetiously with a wink and a yawn. Sorry, but I’m unusually tired. I’ll take a raincheck on the movie.

But perhaps his eyes were traveling over my figure with another reason in mind now. They were filled also with worry. You sure you’re okay? I’ve noticed the weight loss. You dropped a size.

I did not. Don’t worry about me. I cut off his next objection by pulling him down to me for a gentle kiss. Good night, Brin. Love you.

He smiled at me as I started to slip the door shut. Ditto, my love. Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.

But somewhere after I shut the door, smiling at him, something odd happened. I never made it into my bed as a strange haze settled over my mind, making me sleepy. Somehow my vision started to blink out as I stepped toward it.

The smell of musty paper caused me to sneeze myself awake again, what felt like only minutes later. Dim candles glowed on small tables around me, making me realize I was in the library. On the table where my head lay pillowed on my arms a wax candle was burned down to the wick.

Waking up here, I was confused. Now slumped over an enormous, ancient looking scroll, it seemed I had been reading about soul splitting. Soul splitting? What exactly was that? And why was I reading about it?

This was the second day in a row I’d awoken away from my room. It didn’t comfort me any, this new habit of mine.

Can I say I’m so very disappointed that you came here on your mid-evening jaunt instead of to my chamber?

Startled, I nearly fell off the chair.  Rex sat in an armchair a few feet away, watching me with amusement. He was sitting back, having been watching me for God knows how long as I slept. Yeah, that wasn’t creepy at all. Now realizing that I was clad in nothing but the silk nightgown, I crossed my arms over my breasts. His eyebrows went up playfully. You chose a book to cuddle up to instead of me for the evening. I’m wounded.

Think I’ve taken up sleepwalking, I muttered confusedly, brushing my hair out of my face. What time is it?

Late enough in the morning that people will wonder where you’ve been when they see you traipsing around in that, he murmured with a cat-like expression, eyeing my legs through the high slit. Especially after being with me.

Do you just hang around the library looking for people to harass? I snapped, looking at my hands.